• High density lipoprotein Pheeds Home | More High density lipoprotein articles & pheeds            

  High density lipoprotein

  High density lipoproteins (HDL) are a class of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol from the body's tissues to the liver. Because HDL can remove cholesterol from the arteries, and transport it back to the liver for excretion, it is seen as a "good" lipoprotein. When measuring cholesterol, any contained in HDL particles is not a threat to the body's cardiovascular health. (In contrast to "bad" LDL cholesterol.) HDL are the smallest and densest lipoproteins, and are composed of a high proportion of protein. The liver synthesises these lipoproteins as empty proteins and they pick up cholesterol and increase in size as the circulate through the bloodstream. Men tend to have noticably lower HDL levels than women (men also have an increased risk of heart disease). Epidemiological studies show that high concentrations of HDL (over 60 mg/dL) have protective value against cardiovascular diseases (such as ischemic (Hits: 457 | Votes: 0 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2005-05-22 09:24:37)

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• Lipoprotein Pheeds Home | More Lipoprotein articles & pheeds            

  Lipoprotein

  A lipoprotein is a biochemical assembly that contains both proteins and lipids and may be structural or catalytic in function. Lipoproteins may be enzymes, proton pumps, ion pumps, or some combination of these functions. Examples include the high density and low density lipoproteins of the blood and the transmembrane proteins of the mitochondrion and the chloroplast. The lipids are often an essential part of the complex, even if they seem to have no catalytic activity themselves. To isolate ...

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• Low density lipoprotein Pheeds Home | More Low density lipoprotein articles & pheeds            

  Low density lipoprotein

  Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a lipoprotein that carries cholesterol around the body, for use by various cells. Because LDL transports cholesterol to the arteries, increased levels are associated with atherosclerosis, and thus myocardial infarctions and strokes. This is why cholesterol inside LDL lipoproteins is called bad cholesterol. LDL is formed as VLDL lipoproteins lose triglyceride, and become smaller and denser containing a higher proportion of cholesterol. Recommended range The American Heart Association provides a set of guidelines for fasting LDL levels and risk for heart disease. ; Less than 100 (Hits: 390 | Votes: 0 | Visited: 0 | Added: 2005-05-22 09:26:20)

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Cholesterol is a steroid lipid, found in the body tissues (and blood plasma) of vertebrates. It can be found in large concentrations within the liver, spinal cord, and brain. The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid) - researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones. Cholesterol is primarily synthesized from acetyl CoA in the liver, although other sites include the intestines, adrenal glands and reproductive organs.Cholesterol is an important component of the membranes of cells, providing stability. It is the major precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D3, of the various steroid hormones, including cortisol, cortisone, and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and of the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Cholesterol is excreted from the liver in the form of a secretion known as bile; it sometimes crystallizes in the gall bladder to form gallstones.Mostly insoluble in water, it travels in the blood stream in the form of lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol from the liver and intestines to the body cells, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries it back for excretion.It is interesting to note that the cholesterol in LDL cholesterol and the cholesterol in HDL cholesterol are identical. The only difference between the two is the carrier molecule (i.e. the lipoprotein).Cholesterol often forms plaque deposits in the walls of arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is a major contributor to coronary heart disease when the buildup is such that it inhibits blood flow to the heart. The ratio of HDL to LDL is a commonly performed test, and the higher the ratio of these two, the lower the risk of heart disease.The American Heart Association provides a set of guidelines for total (fasting) blood cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease: ; Less than 200 mg/dl : Desirable level corresponding to lower risk for heart disease ; Between 200 and 239 mg/dl : Borderline hi ...

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• Health Highlights: Sept. 3, 2008 (HealthDay) HealthDay - Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

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